These are the Answers to Your Top FAQs About HVAC Systems

A well-maintained HVAC system can keep you comfortable in the rainy Portland
springtime without running up your energy bills. The more you know about
your system, the more you can save.

When does my HVAC system require service? Schedule an
annual professional inspection for your air conditioner in early spring and your furnace in early fall.
The cleaning and minor repairs performed during these inspections keep
your system at top efficiency. They also identify developing problems
before they turn into major ones.

How should I care for the air ducts? Once a year, check that the duct connections are
sealed with mastic and ducts in unconditioned spaces are insulated. Deteriorated mastic and
insulation should be replaced. Ducts rarely need cleaning, but they sometimes
develop a problem with moisture, dust, or pests or become damaged. An
inspection once every five years is a smart investment.

When should I replace my air filter? Once a month, pull out the filter and hold it in front of a light source.
If no light is visible through the filter, put in a clean one. Typically,
1-inch fiberglass filters should be replaced monthly. Higher-efficiency
pleated filters last longer and improve your air quality, which standard
fiberglass models don’t.

How can I boost my system’s efficiency? Ensuring proper routine maintenance is the most important step. Keep your
air registers open and clean. Sufficient home air sealing and insulation
also helps. To manage your temperatures more efficiently, consider a programmable
Wi-Fi thermostat.

When should I replace my system? You can expect to get around 13 years of life out of your
air conditioner and up to 25 out of your furnace. While your equipment may run that long,
it becomes less efficient and more susceptible to component failure every
year. For that reason, start looking for a new system once yours hits
10 years of age. Higher efficiency and more reliable performance of a
new model is usually worth the cost to upgrade.

For professional help caring for your HVAC system, contact us at
Roth Heating & Cooling anywhere around Portland.